Wildlife

Wild Horse Roundup Welfare Concerns

Wild horse roundups in the western United States cause significant welfare concerns for these free-living animals.

Key Facts

Over 50,000 wild horses are currently held in BLM holding facilities
Helicopter roundups cause stress, injury, and separation of family groups
Mares and foals are often separated during drives
Holding facilities lack space for natural behavior

Welfare Considerations

Wild horse roundups using helicopters cause acute stress, injuries from falls and collisions, and permanent family group disruption. Foals cannot maintain pace and are frequently injured or killed during drives. Long-term holding in pens prevents natural behavior and social organization. Fertility control is a more humane population management alternative.

What You Can Do

Support fertility control programs as alternatives to roundups
Advocate for humane wild horse management standards
Contact elected representatives about wild horse welfare
Support organizations providing oversight of BLM horse programs